Planning for Binghamton's First Gated Community Moving Forward

A developer is preparing to acquire the additional land needed for what could become the first "gated community" in Broome County.

Brett Pritchard purchased an 80-acre site off Webb Road in the town of Binghamton last November. The property included two buildings and other facilities that had been used by the Vestal Hills Country Club. The site was sold by Broome County for $300,000.

Pritchard said an adjacent 134-acre parcel is under contract. He expects to close on that purchase by the end of the month. That land includes the former country club's golf course.

The former Vestal Hills Country Club property is located off Webb Road in the town of Binghamton. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Broome County had purchased a section of the former country club site from VHCC Realty LLC for $750,000 in April 2019. The property was to have been used for a veterans services center but that plan was scrapped due to rising development costs.

Pritchard told WNBF News plans for the proposed housing development remain preliminary. Project details will be finalized after the land acquisition has been completed.

An abandoned building at the site of the old Vestal Hills Country Club on April 13, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Pritchard estimated between 50 and 60 homes could be built as part of the gated community. Access to gated communities generally is controlled to limit traffic and enhance security.

The developer said he's heard from some people who've expressed interest in living in such a community if the project becomes a reality.

Swimming pools and a paved pathway at the former country club property in the town of Binghamton. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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